Real Madrid News
Real Madrid sweating over key forward’s availability for derby, new tests this week – report
Earlier today, reports poured in that Vinicius Jr was pushing to return to action for Real Madrid in time for the derby later this month. While the news brought smiles to many fans across the globe, it was always looked at with a hint of suspicion.
After all, the Brazilian was ruled out of action for six weeks after tests conducted last week. For him to return in just over half that time appeared to be overly optimistic.
According to reports from Jorge C Picon, Vinicius will undergo tests once again later this week to evaluate his recovery. It is going well but it is too early to judge whether he will be available for the game against Atletico Madrid.
The Spanish journalist adds that, on the surface, his participation in the derby still appears difficult.
Is it worth the risk?
Los Blancos centre their attack around the youngster’s trickery down the right flank. To call him the pillar of Real Madrid’s attack would not be far-fetched, especially after Karim Benzema’s departure.
To that capacity, rushing the Brazilian back from a muscle injury may not be the best way forward for Carlo Ancelotti. After all, the manager does have the resources to cope with his absence.
In any case, the Merengues must not introduce Vinicius unless he is back to his 100% for it is simply not worth the risk.
Joselu – Ancelotti’s key
The Italian tactician opted to bring Joselu onto the field of play when the Brazilian hopped off injured against Celta Vigo, and the Spaniard did not disappoint.
Joselu recorded the match-winning assist against Celta Vigo. He then started the subsequent game against Getafe where he once again delivered with an essential equaliser.
Needless to say, he will be essential for Los Blancos, at least until Vinicius Jr is back in action.
Real Madrid will come up against their biggest test of the 2023/24 season so far this weekend when they lock horns with neighbours Atletico Madrid.
However, they will once again have to face the challenge without one of their main players in the form of Vinicius Jr, reports Sergio Quirante.
No risks with Vinicius
Vinicius picked up an injury during Real Madrid’s third La Liga game of the season against Celta Vigo, following which he was subbed off.
The 23-year-old has since missed the last three matches against Getafe, Real Sociedad, and Union Berlin.
Reports earlier this week suggested that Vinicius had resumed training individually with the ball, which gave hopes that the attacker might make an early comeback in time for the derby against Atletico.
The Brazilian international has worked very hard to try and bring forward his return date and is closing in on making a comeback.
But Real Madrid are not prepared to take any risks with their star attacker. As such, he will not be rushed back for the derby against Atletico Madrid this week.
Who else will be absent?
Apart from Vinicius, Real Madrid are set to be without four other players, as Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, Arda Guler, and Dani Carvajal are also out with injuries.
Guler is close to a return, with the Turkish wonderkid expected to resume training with the team on Monday. As for Carvajal, he will undergo fresh scans tomorrow to determine the extent of his injury.
Atletico Madrid, too, have some injuries heading into the game, with young prospect Pablo Barrios among those set to be unavailable for the derby.
